The Participation of Females in the Labor Force and Rates of Personal Violence (Suicide and Homicide)

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between the participation of married women in the labor force, both part‐time and full‐time, and rates of personal violence (suicide and homicide) in the continental United States. The participation of married women in the labor force was related to homicide rates. Homicide rates were higher in states where a greater percentage of married women worked full‐time. In contrast, suicide rates were more strongly related to indices of social integration (e.g., interstate migration and divorce rates). These results are discussed in terms of differences in social attitudes in the various regions of the United States and the stresses created by women's working. 1988 The American Association for Suicidology